In a showdown between academia and the state, Kenyan university lecturers have taken a stand, demanding better pay and improved working conditions. They argue that they are undervalued and underpaid compared to other public servants. This episode examines the lecturers’ reasons for striking, the government’s perspective on the dispute, and the potential long-term implications for Kenya’s education system and workforce.
Information for Podcast Episode Content:
- The lecturers began their strike on 29 October 2024.
- The strike stems from the government’s refusal to honour a return-to-work formula negotiated with the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) on 26 September 2024.
- The agreement included salary increases of 7% to 10% and an automatic annual salary increment of 4%.
- The lecturers also claim that the government has not provided health insurance as promised.
- The strike has disrupted learning at all public universities across the country.
- Students have expressed frustration and uncertainty about their academic futures.
- A recent court ruling has halted the implementation of a new university funding model, exacerbating the financial problems facing the institutions.
- The lecturers have vowed to continue their strike until the government meets their demands.
- UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga has accused the government of playing games with lecturers’ finances and of prioritizing other public servants’ salaries over those of lecturers.
